Blondies are often described as the “vanilla” counterpart to brownies, but don’t be fooled—Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies are anything but ordinary. With a rich, nutty base and gooey chocolate pockets throughout, these bars deliver indulgence in every bite. The secret weapon? Brown butter. It deepens the flavor, adding toffee-like undertones and a warm, almost caramelized aroma that elevates this humble dessert into something truly unforgettable.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes brown butter blondies so special, how to bake them perfectly, and tips for presentation, storage, and nutrition.
Why Brown Butter?
Brown butter—known as beurre noisette in French—is made by gently cooking unsalted butter until the milk solids turn golden brown and release a nutty fragrance. This simple technique transforms the butter’s flavor, adding complexity and depth that regular butter just can’t match.
In blondies, brown butter takes center stage. It gives the bars a warm, almost butterscotch-like richness and enhances the chewy texture, making them perfect for everything from bake sales to dinner party desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes: 16 blondies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
1. Brown the butter
Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts, foams, and begins to brown—this usually takes 5–7 minutes. Watch closely as the milk solids turn golden and the butter smells nutty. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
2. Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3. Mix wet ingredients
To the cooled brown butter, add brown sugar and whisk until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. The batter will be thick. Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and serve
Allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares. For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle with flaky sea salt just after baking.
Presentation Tips
- Cut Clean Squares: For tidy slices, cool the blondies completely and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water.
- Elevate with Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Gift-Ready: Stack a few blondies in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for easy homemade gifts.
Nutritional Information (Per Blondie)
Estimated values based on 16 servings:
- Calories: 265
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 115mg
These blondies are rich and satisfying, so even a small square goes a long way.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Espresso Kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- White Chocolate & Raspberry: Substitute white chocolate chips and swirl in raspberry preserves before baking.
- Caramel Core: Drop small spoonfuls of dulce de leche into the batter and swirl for a caramel center.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Why You’ll Love These Blondies
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies are the perfect cross between a cookie and a brownie—chewy, gooey, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday tray, or a midweek sweet craving, these blondies deliver every time.
Plus, they’re practically foolproof. No electric mixer needed. No chilling or rolling. Just a simple stir-and-bake recipe that rewards you with bakery-worthy results.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of brown butter wafting through the kitchen. These blondies bring that cozy, nostalgic feeling to life with every bite. They’re the kind of dessert you’ll make once and find yourself craving again and again.
So go ahead—brown the butter, stir in those chocolate chips, and treat yourself to a blondie that’s anything but basic.